Camborne’s Prosperity Plan: Could Empty Shops See a Bright Future?

Businesses in Camborne have welcomed the first meeting of the Prosperity Accelerator Partnership, part of Project A-Void Phase 2, a Government Town Deal funded effort led by BID Camborne.

Bringing Empty Properties Back to Life

Held at Camborne Community Centre, the session focused on ways to revitalise empty commercial spaces. Ideas ranged from pop-up shops and drop-in events to initiatives supporting start-ups and young entrepreneurs. The partnership aims to bring fresh opportunities to the town, attracting inward investment and making use of currently vacant premises.

Anna Pascoe, BID Camborne Manager, expressed optimism about the meeting’s outcome. “It was a really productive session,” Anna said. “There was a very positive vibe and those attending were keen to contribute.

“Given its location, accessibility, heritage and community, Camborne is a great place to do business. The Prosperity Accelerator Partnership is all about collaboration and working together to make things happen. Judging by our first meeting, there is real enthusiasm for moving forward and filling commercial voids in innovative ways. Camborne is known for its inventiveness and I’m looking forward to the progress we can collectively achieve.”

Local Collaboration and Next Steps

The next meeting, planned before Christmas, will focus on building partnerships with local schools and colleges to create sustainable opportunities for the town’s youth.

Val Dalley, Chair of Camborne Town Deal, highlighted the importance of community-driven collaboration. “Our high street is Camborne’s beating heart, and we want to do all we can to encourage local talent and use empty properties for productive, sustainable purposes,” Val said. “We are a close community, and it makes absolute sense to share ideas and create opportunities that benefit us all.”

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for the economy, praised the Town Deal’s role in fostering local solutions. “Town Deal is all about delivering locally created solutions so it’s good to see this Town Deal project bringing Camborne people and businesses together to identify and welcome new ideas and occupiers to their town centre,” Louis said.

Government Support for Camborne

Project A-Void Phase 2 has been allocated £506,290 through the Town Deal programme, which is part of a £23.7 million investment secured by Camborne Town Deal Board and Cornwall Council. This funding aims to support a variety of projects to regenerate Camborne and strengthen its economy.

Cornwall Council leads the Cornwall Town Deals programme, managing the governance and administration of funds for initiatives like Project A-Void.

As Camborne sets its sights on transformation, the community’s collaboration and innovative ideas could breathe new life into the high street and beyond.